Since a lot of senior members of the Indian team are in England for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final followed by a five-match Test series against England, Shikhar Dhawan was appointed to lead the Indian team in Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series in July.

But, according to former India pacer Dodda Ganesh, Manish Pandey would have been an ideal choice as an Indian skipper.

“If they were looking for seniority as a measure, Manish Pandey should have been named as captain of the Indian team for the Sri Lanka tour. How fit is Bhuvneshwar Kumar to play as vice-captain? Manish knows the players, he has traveled a lot too,” Ganesh told Sportskeeda.

Apart from this, the 47-year-old further explained his point by stating that, there would be an issue of who will lead the side if the southpaw is called as a backup in England.

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“If Dhawan is called as a back-up ahead of the England series, who will lead the team? In terms of seniority, Manish will then be handed over the reins,” he said.

Even though Manish Pandey has not got a lot of opportunities for Team India, the right-hand batsman has done well in the limited opportunities he got. Thus, according to the right-arm quick, this Sri Lanka tour was tailor-made for him.

“Manish Pandey hasn't got too many chances in the Indian team. The SL tour is tailor-made for him, he won't get a better opportunity than this. The way AB de Villiers plays for RCB, Manish should play that role for India. He is well-suited at No.4 in both ODI and T20Is.”

“After the England series, the next opportunity will be only on flat tracks in the UAE in the IPL. This is a good opportunity for Manish to perform, make a comeback, and push for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad,” the former India cricketer said.

(With Sportskeeda Inputs)